Pangasinese in United States

Introduction / History

The Pangasinese people, also known as Pangasinan, are an ethnolinguistic group native to the province of Pangasinan in the Philippines. They speak the Pangasinan language, which belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family. The language is used in daily communication, cultural expressions, and local media.
Historically, the Pangasinese have been known for their coastal settlements and active participation in trade and agriculture. Their region was influenced by Spanish colonization, which introduced Catholicism and European customs. Despite these influences, the Pangasinese have preserved many aspects of their indigenous identity, including language, cuisine, and festivals.
Though most live in the Philippines, some have migrated to the United States for work.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Pangasinese community life is centered around family, religious observance, and local celebrations. Cultural events reflect their deep connection to the sea and agricultural cycles. Hospitality, industriousness, and strong family ties are core values in Pangasinese society.
They earn far more than they would have had they remained in the Philippines. The more fortunate work in the business, IT, or government sector and send plenty of money home to their families. Such people often permanently settle in the new country and send money to family members. They are the ones with a good education. They assimilate well with the general American population.
Tagalog women are often in the medical field, especially as nurses and caregivers. Their good people skills and patience make them suitable for such jobs as well as jobs in the service sector. Tagalog women are vulnerable, especially those in caregiving roles. She must work very long hours.
Tagalog women sometimes love and care for the host family's children as a substitute for their own. They try to keep in contact with their families through Zoom calls. If their husbands remain in the Philippines, he often doesn't take good care of the children. Divorce is common among migrant workers since they are separated from their families for a long time.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Pangasinese people are predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the most widely practiced faith. Churches play a central role in community life, and religious festivals are major social events. Evangelical Christianity is present but represents a smaller portion of the population.
While Christianity is dominant, some Pangasinese individuals blend Catholic beliefs with folk practices, including superstitions and indigenous healing rituals. This syncretism reflects the enduring influence of pre-colonial spiritual traditions.

What Are Their Needs?

They need spiritual renewal in areas where Christianity is nominal or mixed with folk beliefs. They need holistic ministry efforts that integrate faith with community development, education, and economic empowerment. They need leadership development programs to equip local pastors and lay leaders for effective ministry.

Prayer Points

Pray for unity among Christian communities and for the Pangasinese church to be a sending force for missions.
Pray for a spiritual awakening among Pangasinese churches, that believers would grow in faith and have an intense love for Jesus Christ.
Pray for the younger generation to remain rooted in Christ amid modern influences and secularism.
Pray for the distribution of Christian materials in Pangasinan to reach hearts effectively.
Ask God to raise up strong, culturally sensitive leaders who can disciple others and plant churches.

Text Source:   Joshua Project